Monitoring brain health in patients on life support for heart or lung failure

Non-Invasive Multi-Modal Neuromonitoring in Adults Undergoing Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

NIH-funded research University of Rochester · NIH-11005405

This study is looking at new ways to safely check how your brain is doing while you're on ECMO, a life-saving treatment for serious heart or lung problems, to help doctors make better decisions and protect your brain health during your care.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-11005405 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing non-invasive techniques to monitor brain physiology in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a critical procedure for those with severe heart or lung failure. The study aims to identify predictors of neurological outcomes by assessing brain injury severity and optimizing ECMO settings to minimize brain damage. Using advanced technologies like diffuse correlation spectroscopy, near-infrared spectroscopy, electroencephalogram, and evoked potentials, the research seeks to provide real-time insights into brain health during treatment. This could lead to personalized interventions that protect brain function in vulnerable patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults undergoing ECMO due to acute heart or lung failure.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing ECMO or those with pre-existing severe neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of brain injury in patients receiving ECMO, improving their overall recovery and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of non-invasive brain monitoring is innovative, similar techniques have shown promise in other critical care settings, suggesting potential for success in this context.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired brain injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.